61-year-old falls off scooter due to pothole, gets run over by car, dies

A 61-year-old man died in Pune after he fell off his scooter, allegedly due to a pothole, before being crushed by a car. The incident, which has been caught on CCTV, has triggered outrage among the locals over civic apathy.

The deceased, identified as Jagannath Kashinath Kale, was returning home on his scooter when the accident happened near Rahul Hotel in the city's Aundh area.

A gap between the road and adjoining paving blocks led to the formation of a mid-sized pothole in the area. Kale lost control of his scooter after it slipped into this gap. He then fell off the scooter and was run over by a car approaching from behind.

Disturbing visuals. Viewer discretion advised

The incident happened in a matter of seconds. Locals from nearby shops rushed to help Kale and took him to the hospital. However, he was declared dead.

Police have launched an investigation.

The Aundh Vyapari Association and residents have decided to hold a silent protest against civic woes at Bhale Chowk, local reports said.

A social activist from Aundh said calls for the repairing of potholes in meetings with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) fell on deaf ears.

"We have had multiple meetings with PMC and the police department. Despite repeated requests to install speed breakers, repair potholes, and increase police patrolling, there has been no concrete action," the activist told local media.

PUNE SAW RISE IN ROAD ACCIDENTS IN 2024

Pune recorded a rise in road accidents in 2024, as per official data. The city saw a total of 1,404 accidents in 2024, in which 320 people died. In 2023, total accidents stood at 1,230.

The incident comes days after a 32-year-old HR executive was killed in Pune's Chakan after the bike on which he was riding pillion skidded while attempting to overtake a truck.

Last week, a 36-year-old man and his two daughters, aged 10 and four, were killed after the bike they were riding on was knocked down by a dumper truck in Pune's Baramati.

- Ends